What is “the governance gap”?

February 20, 2009

The Governance Gap is the divide between the free-wheeling approach of an entrepreneurial founder and the in-depth level-headedness of the Board. Learning to embrace both sides of the gap is the secret to corporate success, regardless of the size or maturity of your organization.

Who is Susan O’Dell?

I’ m an entrepreneur who passionately believes in my vision and unequivocally believes in my ability to bring it to life, having successfully founded and sold a winery, a retail consultancy and a corporate relocation service in the last twenty years.

I have recently become a certified corporate director (ICD.D), who sits on industry and private equity boards. Now it’s up to me to ask the tough questions, keep a focus on long term strategy and delve into every possibility – including the one that the entrepreneur is wrong.

I am embarking on a journey in which I need learn to embrace both my entrepreneurial and director personas – to leverage the governance gap.

What will you read?

Stories and anecdotes that inspire me as I think about business issues from both an entrepreneurial and director perspective.
Real conundrums and questions I face in my role on boards and as an advisor to entrepreneurs.

Honest exploration about why it’s impossible to legislate wisdom or integrity.

Who will benefit from this blog?

The entrepreneur who wants to embrace the potential of a board.
Directors of private, family and small cap corporations.

Any investor who craves the financial rewards that come from betting on an exciting entrepreneur, while hoping someone is exerting at least some measure of control.

Meet Susan

Dynamic board member, inspiring strategist and best-selling author Susan M. O'Dell rouses teams to action with her down-to-earth, practical approach. Hundreds of companies have increased shareholder value, built customer loyalty and created brand equity as a result of her insightful, tough approach to a wide variety of business conundrums.
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Services

  • Independent Director
  • Strategic Innovator
  • Brand-Builder
  • Motivational Speaker

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Susan's Blogs...

The Governance Gap Blog

Making Lemonade: Living with a Brain Tumor

Coming Soon...

  • Wine Country Mysteries Blog